A former food business operator in Pontypridd town centre who failed to heed official warnings about “dirty” conditions at his premises has been fined.

According to a statement by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, its Public Health and Protection department has prosecuted Noman Rashid of the now-closed Mr Chips shop on Taff Street, which had been identified as having “serious issues” following regular and routine inspections.

Despite repeated visits and contacts to the fast food takeaway and restaurant, in which verbal and written warnings were given, the statement said Rashid failed to address problems at the premises, which he eventually closed of his own accord.

Issues raised included no adequate food safety management system being implemented, unclean premises, slow removal of food waste or refuse and inadequate provision for the storage and disposal of food waste.

The statement said officers also found kebab trays congealed with fat and food waste in open plastic bags not properly disposed of and, instead, simply left in the room where fresh food was being prepared.

Mr Chippy was open from December 2012 to May 2013.

A hygiene improvement notice was served on Rashid, requiring the implementation of a food safety management system – which should have already been in place – to ensure hazards associated with operating a food business are identified, and precautionary measures put in place.

The notice required action within 14 days and was not adhered to, leading to the prosecution.

The council statement said Rashid admitted ten offences under the Food Hygiene (Wales) Regulations 2006 at Pontypridd Magistrates’ Court last month, and was fined £500 and ordered to pay £663 costs and a £50 victim surcharge.

David Jones, head of community protection at RCT Council, said: “Public Health and Protection Officers work tirelessly across the county borough to ensure food premises operate to the standards we – and consumers – expect.

“We are lucky in Rhondda Cynon Taff in that we have hundreds of high-quality food premises that offer their customers exceptional standards, customer care and, most importantly, delicious food.

“We continue to support, promote and celebrate the premises that work hard to uphold the law and maintain standards.

“Part of this support includes dealing with those premises who don’t adhere to the rules and put the community at risk with poor standards.

“I hope this case provides reassurance to the public that we will not hesitate to prosecute where we cannot get traders to comply with their legal obligations to maintain good hygiene standards.”